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Carbamide Peroxide vs Hydrogen Peroxide

Carbamide peroxide vs hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening? That is the question. Well, let us give you the answer!

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a powerful bleaching agent that rapidly penetrates tooth enamel to lift stains. Carbamide peroxide (CH6N2O3) must break down into hydrogen peroxide in order to lift stains. Therefore, it takes longer to work and results are not as dramatic for the same length of application time. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide have a 3:1 ratio. So 36% carbamide peroxide is theoretically equal to only 12% hydrogen peroxide, plus the reaction time is slower.

The type of gel, carbamide peroxide vs hydrogen peroxide, plus the concentration of the gel is what determines effectiveness, potential for irritation or tooth sensitivity, how long results last, and how often it can be used.

25% to 38% Hydrogen Peroxide Gel

Dentists use hydrogen peroxide gel for in-office teeth whitening because it gives the best and fastest results. However, hydrogen peroxide can cause tooth sensitivity and irritation of the soft tissue of the mouth. Therefore, dentists are the only professionals allowed to use whitening gels with high concentrations for H2O2. Typically, dentists use maximum strength gels with H2O2 concentrations ranging from 25% to 38% and they use them with a gingival barrier and cheek retractor to protect lips and gums. This type of treatment is called a “Power Whitening” and can be performed up to once a year. Example: Pro Whitening Kit

Up to 16% Hydrogen Peroxide Gel

Non-dental teeth whitening professionals can also offer hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening treatments but only in mid-strength concentrations of up to 16%. This is what is typically used in 1 hour laser teeth whitening. The Beaming White System uses a 16% H2O2 gel with FANTASTIC results. The gel is too strong to put into a mouth tray, where it could get on the gums and lips, so it is applied by carefully “painting” it directly on the fronts of the teeth only with an applicator pen and using a cheek retractor to keep tissue away from the gel. This type of treatment is commonly referred to as “Cosmetic Whitening” or “Laser Whitening” and can be performed up to once every six months. Example: Advanced Whitening Kit

22% to 44% Carbamide Peroxide Gel

Some teeth whitening operators prefer to use pre-filled mouth trays for their laser teeth whitening treatments. In this case, because they are using mouth trays, they have to opt for carbamide peroxide teeth whitening gel in concentrations of 22% to 44%. However, used in conjunction with a high powered teeth whitening light, satisfactory results are being achieved. This method is also perfect for touch-ups or maintenance treatments and can be performed up to once every three months. Example: Preloaded Tray Kit

Carbamide peroxide is the safest gel to use for home teeth whitening. It takes much longer, but eventually great results can be achieved. Most home whitening kits and pens contain 22% to 44% carbamide peroxide gel with 36% being the standard. People with extremely sensitive teeth and gums should opt for 22% and people with less sensitivity can go up to 44%.

The key to using carbamide peroxide gel for teeth whitening is consecutive applications of the whitening gel with no more than 24 hours between treatments. Continue the consecutive applications until the desired results are achieved and for a maximum of 14 treatments or two weeks of daily treatments. A complete whitening treatment with multiple applications such as this can be performed at home up to once every three months. However, a single 30-60 minute application can be performed monthly for maintenance purposes. Example: Deluxe Home Whitening Kit

Teeth Whitening Gel with NO Peroxide

For countries that restrict the use of peroxide, Beaming White developed teeth whitening gels that contain or release less than 0.1% peroxide. These gels give visible results quickly but the results do not last as long. Since they are gentler on tooth enamel, they can be used more often. Our non-peroxide gels can be used every month and are available for professional and home use. Example: Non-Peroxide Whitening Kit

Please note that a very small percentage of people might experience an allergic type reaction to peroxide which usually manifests as burning of the gums and/or blistering of the lips. This reaction can happen up to 24 hours or more after a whitening treatment. If this occurs, have your customer discontinue use immediately, rinse the irritated area well, and consult their doctor or dentist if desired. Applying vitamin E oil seems to aid healing.